ABSTRACT
Conservation is now understood to encompass preservation as well as restoration. The majority of works of art are inherently unstable because impermanent materials are used in their making which undergo physical and chemical reactions as they age, resulting in changes of appearance, strength and other physical properties. This deterioration is accelerated by poor environmental conditions and, although changes are inevitable and irreversible, they can be slowed by controlling the environment. An understanding of the relationship between a work and its environment is needed and it has been established that works of art are most vulnerable to unsuitable levels of light, relative humidity and air pollution.
